Klaipėda State Seaport Authority has unveiled Lithuania’s first-ever electric tanker powered by green hydrogen and electricity, setting a milestone in sustainable maritime operations.
Expected to begin operations by the year’s end, the ship will support the port’s waste management and environmental cleanup efforts.
“We have not only launched a tanker but also a new approach to port operations - cleaner, smarter and more environmentally friendly,” said Algis Latakas, director general of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Cutting-edge technology
Constructed by West Baltic Shipyard in partnership with Baltic Workboats, the €12 million project features cutting-edge technology, including a hydrogen fuel cell system, 2,000 kWh batteries and two electric motors.
Measuring 42 metres long, the vessel can operate for up to 36 hours without recharging and manage 400 cubic metres of waste with its onboard tanks and rainwater treatment plant.
A keel-laying ceremony at the West Baltic Shipyard marked the start of the ship’s construction in June 2024.
According to the current rules, vessels are obliged to hand over the waste they produce when they arrive and before they leave Klaipėda Port.
The tanker’s main function is to collect storm water, sewage, sludge and garbage, as well as to ensure efficient waste management.
To date, the hull has been fabricated and painted, with piping, valves, coolers, shaft lines, rudder feathers, heat and fire insulation installed.
Once the tanker is moved into the water, the engine room equipment will be installed, the interior of the wheelhouse will be redecorated, the electrical wiring and the main electrical engines will be installed, along with the hydrogen system and other work necessary for the operation of the ship.
The dual-powered tanker represents a bold step toward incorporating green hydrogen and alternative fuels in port operations, reinforcing Klaipėda’s leadership in eco-innovation while paving the way for cleaner, more efficient shipping solutions.
Klaipėda announced earlier this month it intends to become the first in the Baltic region to produce green hydrogen on-site.
It’s looking to become a pioneer in the adoption of hydrogen and alternative fuels, helping to adavnce the Baltic region’s green energy agenda.
